Prevention Guidelines for Infants and Toddlers

Here are the screening tests and immunizations for infants from birth to age 2. Although you and your healthcare provider may decide that a different schedule is best for your baby, this plan can guide your discussion.

Screening

Who needs it

How often

APGAR (a test to determine how well an infant tolerated the birthing process and is adapting to his or her new environment)

All newborns

1 minute and 5 minutes after birth

Congenital hypothyroidism

All newborns

2 to 4 days of age

Hearing loss

All newborns

Before leaving hospital or at 1 month of age

Elevated lead levels

All year-old infants* and children ages 1 to 5 years who are at average or increased risk

Yearly

Iron-deficiency anemia

All infants between 6 and 12 months* and children ages 1 to 5 years who are at average or increased risk

Yearly

Newborn screenings (some states require 29 or more tests for infections and disorders)

All newborns

Before leaving hospital

Phenylketonuria

All newborns

Before leaving hospital

Prevention of dental caries

Children ages 6 months to 5 years whose primary water source is deficient in fluoride

At routine exams; first dental visit recommended at one year of age

Sickle cell disease

Newborns

Birth to 2 months of age

Visual impairments

Children younger than 5 years

At well-child/routine exams

Immunization

Who needs it

How often

Hepatitis B vaccine (monovalent)

All infants

At birth, between 1 and 4 months, and a final dose at 6 to 18 months

Diphtheria

All infants

At 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and a fourth dose six months after third dose

Tetanus toxoids

All infants

At 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and a fourth dose six months after third dose

Acellular pertussis

All infants

At 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and a fourth dose six months after third dose

Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate

All infants

At 2 months and 4 months

Inactivated poliovirus

All infants

At 2 months, 4 months, 6 to 18 months, and a booster at 4 to 6 years)

Pneumococcal (conjugate)

All infants

At 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and at 12 to 15 months

Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)

All infants

First dose between 12 and 15 months, and the second dose at ages 4 to 6 years, or before starting kindergarten

Chickenpox (varicella)

Those infants who have not contracted chickenpox

Between 12 and 15 months, and the second dose at ages 4 to 6 years

Flu (seasonal); trivalent inactivated influenza

All infants

At 6 months, and then annually during flu season

Hepatitis A

All infants

At ages 12 to 23 months, with a second dose at least six months after the first dose

Rotavirus

All infants

At 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months (must be started before 14 weeks, 6 days of age)

* Screening guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics
All other screening guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
Immunization schedule from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

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About Providence Health & Services

Providence Health & Services, Southern California, provides the South Bay, Westside and San Fernando Valley a full spectrum of care that includes leading-edge diagnostics and treatment, outpatient health centers, the well-regarded Providence Medical Institute, numerous outreach programs and clinics, hospice and home care and Providence High School, a Blue Ribbon college-preparatory campus.